The Immunologists’ Guide to Pandemic Preparedness

Abstract

Immunologists are central to fighting any pandemic. From pathogenesis to disease modeling, pharmaceuticals to vaccines, immunologists play a crucial role in translating basic science into effective response strategies. This article describes our view on how lessons from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic can be developed into an immunologists’ guide for preparedness for future pandemics.

Evolutionary Dynamics and Epidemiology of Endemic and Emerging Coronaviruses in Humans, Domestic Animals, and Wildlife

“…Although researchers across the globe are desperately working to produce efficient vaccines against COVID-19, we already have seven vaccines currently using for vaccination, and around another 200 candidate vaccines are in a different stage of clinical trials [181]. The scientist uses their knowledge on the interaction between virus and immune system to produce a universal coronavirus vaccine [182]. Still, the expectation of a broad, adaptable candidate vaccine is highly ambitious, and the possibilities of getting these vaccines is questionable.…”

Extreme immunotherapy: emergency immunology to defeat pandemics

“…Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP), one of the most respected bodies in the world advising not only on the use of pandemic vaccines but more generally on the theoretical framework for prioritizing pandemic interventions. We believe that immunologists should have a clearly designated role in pandemic preparedness and response (Marin-Hernandez et al 2021 ). As our global response to COVID-19 continues, and certainly before any future pandemic, immunology bodies can champion research into animal models for rapid testing of immunological agents; the immunology of anti-pathogen immune responses in mice, hamsters and ferrets should be a high priority investment area.…”

“…There are some general principles which could be considered: immunological health is likely related to overall population health and general strong advice on good diet, increased exercise, and review of routine vaccination status could all lead to an ‘improvement in overall and immunological health’, although there as of yet are no standards for the immunological pulse or terrain of a general population (Marin-Hernandez et al 2021 ). While the real impact of vitamins is unclear, screening and supplementation of Vitamin D in high risk groups, especially in the elderly, should be considered as a measure to improve general immunological health (Chambers et al 2021 ).…”

“…Commonly used vaccines can have nonspecific effects, including heterologous effects against SARS-CoV-2 infection. We, and others, have proposed Heterologous Vaccine Interventions (HVIs) as interventions for reducing viral pandemic-related morbidity and mortality (Marin-Hernandez et al 2021 ; Hupert et al 2021 ). The BCG vaccine in particular has been associated ecologically with non-specific benefits even long after immunization, and as an agent to “boost” innate trained immunity which could act against a range of potential pandemic pathogens (Moorlag et al 2019 ), it seems to be the most valuable, although other vaccines should not be ignored.…”

“…Other innate cells, gamma delta, MAIT and NKT cells could also be targeted through ligand engagement or direct cell therapy with expanded cells. Each of these cell types might have a preferential role depending on the pandemic pathogen (Poccia et al 2005 ; Pistoia et al 2018 ; Wakao et al 2017 ; Manna et al 2020 ; Wang, et al 2020 ), and immunologists should be a constant part of the rapid pandemic response scientific team (Marin-Hernandez et al 2021 ). Interferon therapy could be considered in some viral infections (Calabrese et al 2020 ).…”